Q. The neighborhood I live has lately became very crime ridden. Some of my neighbors have bought guns for self defense with permits. If there is an Eruv can you carry the gun on Shabbos? Which is the best way to do it?
A. There are numerous Teshuvos and opinions given by Poskim regarding weapons being carried and used by Israeli soldiers on Shabbos.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in general it is best to avoid carrying that gun on Shabbos. His reasoning is based from the experience that people tend to panic and overreact even when just a single case of violent crime occurs in their close neighborhood. And even when the chances of future similar crimes are very small.
Nevertheless, The Rov's opinion is that cases and situations are always different and if one has any doubt about one's particular danger, one should consult with a competent local Rabbi that is familiar with the particular situation.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
Important Numbers
